Jeremy Karel - Principal
jkarel@rockfordschools.org
Address: 405 Summit Ave, Rockford, MI 49341
Website: www.rockfordschools.org
(616) 863-6366
a note from mr. Karel
Dear Families,
We hope you had a chance to relax and enjoy some special moments together over the summer. As the first day of school on August 24 approaches, we’re excited to work alongside you to make sure your child’s transition into the new school year is smooth, happy, and successful.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as our district transitions our student information system from Skyward to PowerSchool. We recognize that this change has created some temporary challenges and may take some time to get up and running.
We appreciate your flexibility as we work through this process. While transitions like this can take time, we are confident that PowerSchool will provide a better experience and improved tools for our students, families, and staff in the long run.
As you read through this newsletter, please know our door is always open. Whether you have a question, a concern, or just want to connect, you can reach us by email, phone, or by stopping in—we’re here to help.
We can’t wait to welcome you back and see our hallways filled with smiling faces again!
Warmly,
Mr. Karel
Quick reference guide:
August 17 - teacher placement available
August 19 - open house
August 24 - first day of school
Back to school checklist
Save the date for Open House:
Aug 19th
- 5-6pm K, 1, 3 grades
- 6-7pm 2, 4, 5 grades
Complete your PowerSchool parent login and student verification: Details on how to complete this task are in article below. It is IMPERATIVE to complete the verification if you want your student to participate in school related events like the yearbook and picture day. This is also where you can add other guardians/emergency contacts, let us know of any changes to medical history, address changes, and other important information.
For students with daily or emergency medications, review our nursing policies (Nursing Services – Rockford Public Schools (rockfordschools.org), fill out appropriate paperwork and drop medications off to the office before or on the first day of school. Please note: all medication forms must be signed by both a physician and a guardian.
Kindergarten families: email (jward@rockfordschools.org) or drop off hearing and vision screening results prior to first day of school.
Review school supplies list here: Supply Lists – Rockford Public Schools (rockfordschools.org)
LABEL EVERYTHING! Water bottles, hoodies, coats, shoes, hats, lunch boxes...everything!
Charge camera battery for all those cute first day pictures!
Student pickup questionnaire
If your student will be car line at any point this school year, please complete the form below. We will be using this information to create our car line cards.
STUDENT PICKUP QUESTIONNAIRE
Ride K-12 App
My Ride K-12 capabilities include the following:
- Stop location, assigned route, and scheduled pick up time.
- GPS geolocation push notifications, giving estimated time of bus arrival and information concerning bus status changes.
- Real time communication and messaging.
- Secure and confidential log in.
- Android/iOS app and web version available.
Car Line Changes
To help reduce traffic backing up onto Summit at dismissal, we are making a small change to our afternoon car line procedures. Beginning on the first day, parents should follow the car line by driving along the sidewalk all the way to the stop sign. Please watch for new signage to help guide you through the updated traffic pattern. To help us keep the line moving efficiently, please display your student pickup card on your dashboard. Students will be called out of the building once your vehicle arrives at the pickup area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we implement this new process!
Medicine Drop-off
If your student(s) will need medication at school, our open house on August 19th is a great time to drop them off to our office staff. The nursing forms can be found on the RPS website and are linked below. Please remember these documents MUST be current to the 26/27 school year and signed by both a parent and physician. Medication should be dropped off in its original container.
picture day!
September 16th is our Fall Picture Day! To pre-order your student's pictures visit www.mylifetouch.com. Valley View's picture day code is: HW7R3GTVE.
Student Verification
PowerSchool is Rockford Public Schools' new Student Information System. Through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, parents and guardians can access important student information, including:
- Student schedules
- Attendance records
- Grades and academic progress
- Contact information
- Student forms and registration information
- School and district communications
If you haven't already, please create a login and register your student/s. Thank you!
PowerSchool: Everything You Need To Know - Our District - Rockford Public Schools
